A former Senior Executive of the French Michelin Group, specializing in engines, electronics and an expert on energy issues gave us the honor to answer our questions.
The Cotonou Times: Can you please introduce yourself?
Gérard Colomb: My name is Gérard Colomb, I am 77 years old and I am retired executive from the French Michelin Group. I worked as a forklift driver, production machines operator, maintenance specialist, Specialized worker, Team leader, Foreman, Head of department and I was finally a member for 20 years of the Group’s Engineering Office within the framework of the modernization of its factories.
The Cotonou Times: As a specialist in energy issues, can you briefly explain what hydrogen is?
Gérard Colomb: Hydrogen is the first molecule that made up our universe.
The Cotonou Times: How is hydrogen produced?
Gérard Colomb: Several methods exist to produce hydrogen such as air, gas, oil and the last one from the water molecule.
The Cotonou Times: Is this resource available in West Africa ?
Gérard Colomb:This resource is available in West Africa in countries like Benin and Nigeria.
The Cotonou Times: Some claim that hydrogen is not the fuel of the future, how do you react to such an assertion?
Gérard Colomb: In 2018 at the Lyon International Motor Exhibition in France, the Car Manufacturer Renault exhibited two hydrogen-powered vehicles with a range of 1,600 kilometers. It is important to outline that rockets run on hydrogen. The hydrogen of the future will be made from water and its molecule will be separated from electrical energy from solar and wind (“green” hydrogen)
The Cotonou Times : What is the difference between “hydrogen” and “green hydrogen”?
Gérard Colomb: “Green” hydrogen has no influence on climate change.
The Cotonou Times: How is “hydrogen” stored ?
Gérard Colomb: Storage is carried out in tanks similar to rocket tanks.
The Cotonou Times: How is electricity produced from hydrogen?
Gérard Colomb: The water molecule is separated (hydrogen and oxygen) by electrolysis. Hydrogen can be stored in two forms (liquid or gaseous). This hydrogen is sent to a fuel cell which produces electricity.
The Cotonou Times: Is the investment required to install a hydrogen power plant lower than what is needed to establish for a solar power plant?
Gérard Colomb: About five years ago, 1 Kilowatt produced by solar panels would cost US$1 The cost of an industrial complex from water will depend on the number of cubic meters of hydrogen which is produced. It is necessary to count around a billion € with the development of the port
The Cotonou Times : What prospects does West Africa offer in terms of hydrogen?
Gérard Colomb: The prospects for West Africa are excellent. When a state has its energy independence, its industrialization becomes possible. International demand will be huge in the years to come, bearing in mind that prices will soar.
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